Connector block having at least one protrusion, for a terminal assembly

Abstract

A connector block adaptable to engage with a terminal assembly of a hermetically sealed compressor, including a circular substantially flat surface that has a plurality of holes adaptable to receive the electrical conductor pins mounted inside the terminal assembly when the connector block is engaged with the terminal assembly. At least partially surrounding the circumference of at least one of the holes is a protrusion located on the substantially flat surface. The circular substantially flat surface defines a connector lip erected around its perimeter. This connector lip is designed to cover the open end of the cap of the terminal assembly and to surround the electrical conductor pins so as to minimize possible electrical arcing. The connector lip is fisher designed to seal the open end of the cap of the terminal assembly such that no particles from the hermetically sealed compressor could enter into the cap of the terminal assembly.

Description

[0001] 1. Field of the Invention[0002] The present invention relates generally to connector blocks for terminal assemblies, and more particularly, to connector blocks for electrical conductor pins of hermetic terminal assemblies.[0003] 2. Description of Related Art[0004] A hermetically sealed compressor, typically used for air conditioning or refrigeration applications, has a sealed metal chamber. A motor and a compressor are mounted within the chamber. The electrical power to the motor is connected through the chamber and a terminal assembly.[0005] The terminal assembly typically takes the form of a cup-shaped metal support having three holes, sometimes referred to as the terminal cap. An electrical conductor pin is mounted in each of the three holes and is mechanically supported in the cup-shaped element by fused glass beads that are bonded to both the pin and the metallic element. The fused glass beads and the metal are connected to form a glass-to-metal seal.[0006] Within the co...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

The buildup of such particles on the surface of the fused glass beads can establish an electrical conductive path resulting in a short circuit and / or a thermal failure.

Other contaminants in the system, such as moisture and acidic components (e.g., halogen acids resulting from a partial decomposition of the halogenated hydrocarbon refrigerant), may also directly attack the glass surfaces causing or contributing to an electrical breakdown.

Another cause of electrical breakdown of the terminal assembly pertains to compressor motor failure.

As a result of the high temperatures during the compressor motor failure, carbon may be generated.

Consequently, a mixture of the generated carbon may be deposited on the inside portion of the hermetic terminal assembly and form a conductive path between the terminal electrical conductor pins and ground, which may lead to arcing.

For the most part, these past structures have been comparatively complex and costly in both manufacture and assembly and have fallen short of the results they have sought to achieve.

They further present structural assembly, disassembly and wear problems.

In fact, none of the prior art of reference discloses such protection for the terminal cap.

Nevertheless, the terminal cap's open end would still be left uncovered, rendering it vulnerable to the possibility of accumulation of contaminants.

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